Massachusetts: On Thanksgiving Day, about 30
Occupy Boston members traveled to Plymouth to join
the National Day of Mourning demonstration.
The crowd of 200 gathered on Coles
Hill overlooking the Plymouth Rock tourist
attraction.

The Occupy protesters didn’t carry banners or
assemble as a group. They were scattered throughout
the crowd, preferring to defer to the words of
Native speakers.

Organizers
told Occupy
members that Native Americans are
participants in the same struggle.
Thanksgiving is a painful reminder of atrocities
committed against their ancestors. The poverty of
today's Native people is born from that treatment.

“Being broke and unemployed is not a new feeling to
us indigenous people,’’
said Mahtowin Monroe from the United American
Indians of New England.
“

Moonanum James is also from the United American
Indians group. He supports the Occupy Boston
activists.

“Their cause is really straightforward, as is ours:
One percent of the population holds [much] of the
wealth in this country, and people’s benefits are
getting slashed and people are losing their homes. On our
reservations, we are mired in the deepest poverty.
The idea is to have some equality in this country .
. . economic equality.’’

After the speeches, the crowd marched down Main
Street to the beat of drums, chants, and song.

“We are gathering to participate along
with the indigenous folks as an act of
solidarity. We share many of the same
messages.’’ Susan Barney, Occupy Boston

“We’re trying to figure out how to build
a better world, a better society that
works for everyone,’’ he said.
Martin Dagoberto, Occupy Boston

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